UMass withstands late East Carolina surge for 88-81 victory

The Minutemen improve to 7-3.

Chaz Williams led UMass with 26 points and tied a career-high with 11 assists, as UMass defeated East Carolina 88-81 Saturday afternoon at Mullins Center.

UMass led by as many as 19 in the second half, but the Pirates put together a 24-8 run over a 5:06 stretch to close the UMass lead to three with 1:04 to go in the game. That's when Williams stepped in, hitting six straight free throws to allow the Minutemen to withstand the rally, and escape with the victory.

Freddie Riley had a season-high 14 points for UMass, while Maurice Kemp led East Carolina with 21.